Letter: More compassion, less fear needed

The proposed homeless shelter and supported housing project is perhaps one of the best projects possible to demonstrate that Parksville is a city to be proud of. Like any city, Parksville has some citizens who, for a variety of reasons, cannot find or sustain a physical accommodation. These people live here, are mostly from here and Parksville is their home.

For a community to come to their aid is an act of compassion, generosity and basic humanity. Homeless people are just like the rest of us. They have a name; they have a life story; they show gratitude for kindness. They deserve the dignity that a safe bed can offer.

Take some time to talk to a homeless person and discover that they, too, are citizens with hopes and dreams not any different in their humanity from anyone else. There is nothing to be afraid of.